SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- The U.S. Census shows Asian immigrants to California now surpass Latino Immigrants by more than double.
Like Justin Kim who emigrated to the U.S. from Korea.
"I couldn't find any job," says Yanagi Sushi Manager Justin Kim. "There was more chance to get a job in California."
He's one of the more than five thousand Asians in Santa Maria and now manages a popular sushi restaurant.
His signature cooking trick is called the "volcano" where he pours oil and vodka into a volcano made of onion rings and lights it on fire.
But beside the sushi and good food, his story reflects a major shift across the state. The census shows Asian immigrants in California now surpass that of Latino immigrants in 2011, 57% to 22%.
"I'm shocked to hear that transition and changing demographic in California," says former politician Toru Miyoshi.
Asian-American Toru Miyoshi once held public office in Santa Maria and also served on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.
"At the last election, there's been more Asians participating in the political process," says Miyoshi. "Their getting elected to office. From Hispanics or Asians, they all have something to contribute and our county...we're looking for fresh ideas."
Ideas others like Justin, can truly bring to the table.
"I think I have like the American dream," says Kim.
The number of Korean immigrants have grown to 17,000 in 2011. Immigrants from China and Taiwan have seen the largest increase over the last decade of 45%.
